Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Iran doubled down after Donald Trump said he would soon declare the waterway “U.S. territory,” insisting it “will remain Iranian” and only Tehran can open or close it, as diplomacy stalls and shipping stays throttled. Gulf Shipping Attacks: The UAE blamed Iran for an attack on an ADNOC-linked vessel in Hormuz, calling it piracy and warning it won’t be deterred, while Iran and regional actors trade accusations amid mounting tanker incidents. Gaza Mediation Push: Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya is heading to Cairo for talks with Egyptian intelligence ahead of a Kushner visit, as Israel rejects a proposed Gaza roadmap and mediators press for movement. Lebanon Escalation: Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed 11, including children, with Hezbollah vowing a response, underscoring how the Iran-Gaza-Lebanon fronts keep feeding each other. Yemen War Fears: AFP reports Yemenis in ports like Mokha are bracing for renewed all-out conflict as Houthi-government fighting disrupts the fragile post-truce calm. US Domestic Pressure: US retail sales fell and consumer sentiment plunged, with analysts linking the downturn to Iran-war fallout and higher fuel costs—raising stakes for the midterms. Regional Security Architecture: Jordanian commentary highlights the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement’s political ripple effects, alongside cabinet reshuffle and budget planning ahead of 2027. Carriers and Focus Shift: AP says the USS George Washington is leaving the Pacific for the Middle East, reflecting how the Iran campaign is reshaping US force posture.